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Minnesota Capitol leaders reach end-of-session deal with HCMC funding

The agreement temporarily cuts car tab fees and provides property tax refunds.

News

Leaders at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota&#x27;s politically divided Capitol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/17/minnesota-capitol-legislative-preview-top-issues" data-vars-content-id="e6a47612-472f-4c0f-9f6d-30ad44c26dfd" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Capitol leaders reach end-of-session deal with HCMC funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/17/minnesota-capitol-legislative-preview-top-issues" target="_self">Minnesota&#x27;s politically divided Capitol</a> have struck an end-of-session agreement that includes a &quot;historic&quot; infusion of &quot;funds to stabilize&quot; Hennepin County Medical Center. Why it matters: The Level I trauma center, which serves residents from across the state, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was at risk of closing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/09/hcmc-closing-medicaid-cuts" data-vars-content-id="e6a47612-472f-4c0f-9f6d-30ad44c26dfd" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Capitol leaders reach end-of-session deal with HCMC funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/09/hcmc-closing-medicaid-cuts" target="_self">was at risk of closing</a> without financial assistance.

St. Paul skyway users frustrated by prolonged closure

The Alliance Bank Center has been closed for over a year

Nancy Kehmeier typically walks from her Landmark Tower condo to the east side of downtown St. Paul two or three times a day, but for the past 13 months, that has meant leaving the climate-controlled skyway system.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/11/alliance-bank-tower-st-paul-vacancy" data-vars-content-id="934c681c-d82d-4026-90ad-5610575347f2" data-vars-headline="St. Paul skyway users frustrated by prolonged closure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/11/alliance-bank-tower-st-paul-vacancy" target="_self">closure</a> of the Alliance Bank Center has cut off a key connection in the city&#x27;s 5-mile system of glass bridges, forcing residents like Kehmeier to navigate around the building and putting additional pressure on people with accessibility challenges.

Twin Cities weekend: Art-A-Whirl, garage sales, peony festival

Cat-themed auto shop Turbo Tim's is bringing back its live car-crushing event.

Things to Do

Happy Art-A-Whirl! The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest open artist studio tour" data-vars-click-url="https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/" data-vars-content-id="7c6029b5-8b0b-4a48-a39d-0a6c10fceac8" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend: Art-A-Whirl, garage sales, peony festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/" target="_blank">largest open artist studio tour</a> in the country kicks off Friday with a packed three days celebrating local creatives — and almost every event is free to the public.<ul><li>Not sure where to start? Here are three spots we recommend. </li></ul>

Allegiant closes on Sun Country acquisition

Many Sun Country employees are uneasy about their jobs

Sun Country Airlines officially became a subsidiary of Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air Wednesday after the companies closed their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.5 billion merger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/13/what-sun-country-sale-allegiant-means-for-msp-travelers" data-vars-content-id="ee571c43-bf75-4224-b866-b6dde3de85fa" data-vars-headline="Allegiant closes on Sun Country acquisition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/13/what-sun-country-sale-allegiant-means-for-msp-travelers" target="_self">$1.5 billion merger</a>. Why it matters: This acquisition is going to mean big changes for many of the airline&#x27;s 3,300 employees, and it will also spell the end of the Sun Country brand — eventually.

In Minnesota's express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses

The growing violation rate denies the system toll revenues it needs to pay for itself.

Transit

MnDOT&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="E-ZPass system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/25/mn-ez-pass-scam-text-warning" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/25/mn-ez-pass-scam-text-warning" target="_self">E-ZPass system</a> has a scofflaw problem. Nearly half of the vehicles use the express tolling lanes without permission, according to the latest quarterly report.Why it matters: Aside from being unfair, the rising violation rate threatens to undermine the main goal of E-ZPass — managing congestion — while denying the system the toll revenues it needs to pay for itself.Stunning stats: MnDOT estimated that 29% of vehicles using the lanes had neither a passenger nor an E-ZPass tag in FY2024, according to the annual report for that year.<ul><li>But <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more recent field observations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28096401-minnesota-department-of-transportation-mndot-2025-q4-e-zpass-report/" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28096401-minnesota-department-of-transportation-mndot-2025-q4-e-zpass-report/" target="_blank">more recent field observations</a> suggest that vehicle &quot;violation rates&quot; have crept up across the system. On I-35W in the south metro, they&#x27;re now pushing past 50%.</li></ul><div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-LO9HZ" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-LO9HZ" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="A bar chart that shows quarterly E-ZPass lane violation rates by corridor for October to December 2025. Rates range from 32.3% on I-394 from Minneapolis to Wayzata to 52.6% on I-35W from Minneapolis to Burnsville. I-35E posts 45.7%, and I-35W from Roseville to Blaine reaches 44.1%." class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/fallbacks/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-fallback.png" width="1200" height="788"/><img alt="A bar chart that shows quarterly E-ZPass lane violation rates by corridor for October to December 2025. Rates range from 32.3% on I-394 from Minneapolis to Wayzata to 52.6% on I-35W from Minneapolis to Burnsville. I-35E posts 45.7%, and I-35W from Roseville to Blaine reaches 44.1%." class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/fallbacks/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-apple.png" width="750" height="740"/></div><figcaption>Data: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MnDOT" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dot.state.mn.us/freeway-operations/reports.html" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dot.state.mn.us/freeway-operations/reports.html" target="_blank">MnDOT</a>; Note: Totals from all observation points along each corridor during tolled morning and afternoon commute periods; Chart: Kyle Stokes/Axios</figcaption></figure></div>Between the lines: The toll lanes&#x27; primary goal isn&#x27;t to make money; it&#x27;s to improve traffic flow during peak times — just like a ramp meter, according to MnDOT spokesperson Anne Meyer.<ul><li>Even with high violation rates, E-ZPass lanes maintain higher traffic speeds than general lanes and reduce trip times by as much as 10 minutes during peak times, according to the latest annual report.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: A February <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/2026cav02" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/2026cav02" target="_blank">report</a> from consulting firm AECOM detailed how MnDOT could use more automated tools — such as license plate readers and passenger-detecting cameras — to reduce E-ZPass violation rates.<ul><li>The report noted that the rollout would be costly — and could face legal hurdles and objections on privacy and civil liberties grounds.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Axios readers come clean on E-ZPass</h2>Axios reader Steven learned his lesson in 2016.<ul><li>While commuting into downtown Minneapolis, he occasionally merged into the E-ZPass lane to cut through the congestion.</li></ul>Finally, a state trooper pulled Steven over and asked why he had no pass. <ul><li>&quot;I matter of factly replied, &#x27;I didn&#x27;t think I would get caught,&#x27;&quot; he told us in an email. &quot;The officer stifled a big laugh.&quot;</li></ul>The big picture: The Minnesota State Patrol dedicates teams of troopers to E-ZPass enforcement.<ul><li>In 2024, those patrols pulled over nearly 6,000 vehicles, and cited or warned about half of those drivers for tolling violations, Meyer said.</li></ul>&quot;E-ZPass lane enforcement is no joke along 394,&quot; wrote reader Kyle F., who says it&#x27;s typical to see two or three people each week pulled over in the E-ZPass lane.Reality check: Most scofflaws aren&#x27;t caught. In 2024, an estimated 11,000 violators used the lanes every day,<ul><li>&quot;There doesn&#x27;t seem to be any penalties for not being a paid user,&quot; wrote Marg P., who uses an E-ZPass to shorten her drive time to Lino Lakes.</li></ul>Follow the money: Violators are dodging tolls that can jump as high as $8 per trip. (The average is about $1.14.)<ul><li>&quot;It can be expensive on high congestion days,&quot; Teri I. said, &quot;so it sucks getting charged for that convenience and others are jumping in hoping to not get caught.&quot;</li></ul>Yes, but: Law-abiding E-ZPass users still praise their passes.<ul><li>&quot;Just eases the travel issues significantly!&quot; Rick said, adding that the modest cost is worth it &quot;to gain the ease of driving in that lane when traffic sucks!&quot;</li></ul>

Meat raffle prizes and prediction market bans: What else the Legislature got done this year

The deals under the dome this year impact lives in ways big and small.

The slate of proposals passed in the final days of this year&#x27;s legislative session goes beyond the headline-grabbing deals on hot topics like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="car tabs and HCMC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/14/minnesota-hcmc-hospital-funding-bonding-car-tabs-property-tax-refunds" data-vars-content-id="0609e47c-831b-49bb-afc4-931fbe581b0c" data-vars-headline="Meat raffle prizes and prediction market bans: What else the Legislature got done this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/14/minnesota-hcmc-hospital-funding-bonding-car-tabs-property-tax-refunds" target="_self">car tabs and HCMC</a>.Why it matters: The full list of bills that cleared the narrowly divided Capitol with bipartisan backing shows how the work done under the dome impacts Minnesotans&#x27; lives in ways big and small.

Minneapolis embraces St. Paul policing strategy

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey admitted he stole the idea from St. Paul.

Minneapolis is borrowing a St. Paul strategy aimed at preventing homicides by solving more nonfatal shootings. Why it matters: Minneapolis has struggled to bring its homicide rate back down to where it was before a surge that began in 2020. <ul><li>Meanwhile, St. Paul and Ramsey County&#x27;s focus on solving nonfatal shootings has led to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dramatic decline in homicides" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/12/homides-fall-sharply-saint-paul-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="82591830-5b93-4e8e-9d36-b6868d6ba175" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis embraces St. Paul policing strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/12/homides-fall-sharply-saint-paul-minneapolis" target="_self">dramatic decline in homicides</a>, which dropped from 33 in 2024 to 15 last year, the lowest total in St. Paul since 2013. </li><li>Minneapolis reported 64 in 2024, which was still above the 48 murders in 2019. </li></ul>

Dave Ryan retiring after 33 years at KDWB

Ryan has been a fixture on Twin Cities airwaves since joining the Top 40 station in 1993.

Dave Ryan, who spent more than three decades shocking morning listeners on KDWB, is retiring on May 22. Why it matters: Ryan has been a fixture on Twin Cities airwaves since joining the Top 40 station in 1993. <ul><li>&quot;Being a part of your morning and being welcomed into your life has meant more to me than I can ever express,&quot; he said in a press release. </li></ul>

Minneapolis considers building downtown playground

The mayor has said he envisions something similar to Edina's Edinborough Park.

Minneapolis is looking to up its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="game with kids" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/17/minneapolis-skyway-things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="9142ab2e-17ff-47bf-8766-6ce7ce180045" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis considers building downtown playground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/17/minneapolis-skyway-things-to-do" target="_self">game with kids</a>, exploring the idea of building an indoor playground somewhere downtown.Why it matters: For many Minneapolis parents, finding something to do with their kids in winter often means driving to the suburbs. Meanwhile, the middle of downtown is often dead on weekends, with office workers absent.

Minnesota monitoring possible hantavirus exposure linked to cruise outbreak

Experts say the risk to the public remains low.

The Minnesota Department of Health announced Tuesday that it&#x27;s monitoring one person who may have &quot;briefly been exposed&quot; to a cruise ship passenger who tested positive for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hantavirus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/07/hantavirus-cruise-outbreak-covid-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="89ea2514-2a1e-4bc9-b3e9-0695929a787f" data-vars-headline="Minnesota monitoring possible hantavirus exposure linked to cruise outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/07/hantavirus-cruise-outbreak-covid-pandemic" target="_self">hantavirus</a>.What we know: The unnamed individual in Minnesota doesn&#x27;t have symptoms and is cooperating with public health officials. <ul><li>&quot;We want to emphasize that the risk to the public remains very low,&quot; the department said in a press release.</li></ul>

Minnesota Democrats weigh joining national redistricting wars

Some Democrats want to redraw district lines early, despite legal and political hurdles.

Some Minnesota Democrats are openly discussing whether to try to redraw the state&#x27;s political maps if they win control of state government in November. Why it matters: Shaking up the district lines before the next scheduled redistricting cycle could impact both the makeup of Minnesota&#x27;s elected representatives and the balance of power in Washington. State of play: A mid-cycle partisan gerrymandering by lawmakers would be a major departure from local norms. <ul><li>That&#x27;s because the Legislature in recent decades has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="kicked the job of designing the maps to the courts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/02/16/minnesota-redistricting-legislative-congresss-maps" data-vars-content-id="3fc35bdf-e21e-463e-8329-861fb969d828" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Democrats weigh joining national redistricting wars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/02/16/minnesota-redistricting-legislative-congresss-maps" target="_self">kicked the job of designing the maps to the courts</a>, which has limited political influence over the maps.</li></ul>

News 🗞

In Minnesota's express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses

Party like it's 1979

Meat raffle prizes and prediction market bans: What else the Legislature got done this year

Minneapolis embraces St. Paul policing strategy

Late Capitol push delivers car tab relief, public construction bill